Breast protection body support system

ABSTRACT

A system including a torso support for a user in a prone position protects the user&#39;s breasts from compressive forces. The torso support has a length corresponding to an approximate distance from the upper abdomen to shoulders of a user. Cavities are provided to receive breasts. A portion of the pillow adjacent the abdomen is cut away to provide a recess for a user&#39;s rib cage. An upper surface of the torso support may be canted at an angle to approximate an angle at which a user&#39;s upper body tilts with respect to a horizontal support surface. A fabric cover for the torso support includes a sleeve in registration with each breast cavity. The sleeve may be closed at to a lower end adjacent a bottom of each breast cavity. The system may further comprise a head cushion that mates with the torso support to fit efficiently in a carrying case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present subject matter relates to a system including a supportpillow for supporting a user in a prone position and protecting theuser's breasts from compressive forces.

2. Related Art

Women have occasion to be in a prone position on surfaces having varyingdegrees of rigidity. For example, a woman may be positioned on a tablewhile receiving a therapeutic body massage. Compressive forces applypressure to the woman's breasts. Some pressure is caused by body weight.Significant pressure may be created by vertical force applied to theback during a massage. Such pressure may cause discomfort. Discomfortwill be especially pronounced in women with large breasts, e.g., whosebra cup size is D or DD.

In the case of women with breast implants, damage may be a concern aswell as discomfort. According to the American Society for AestheticPlastic Surgery, more than 300,000 American women had breastaugmentation in 2004. This is up from 100,000 in 1997. Consequently,accommodating needs of breast implant patients is of increasingimportance.

For the past decade, breast implants have been primarily of one or twotypes, a saline-filled breast implant or a silicone-filled breastimplant. While reliability of such implants has increased over theyears, they are still subject to damage. According to S. L. Brown, M. S.Middleton, W. A. Berg, M. S. Soo, G. Pennello, Prevalence of Rupture ofSilicone Gel Breast Implants Revealed on MR Imaging In A Population OfWomen In Birmingham, Ala., Am. J. Roentgenal, 2000; 175:1057-1064, astudy conducted by United States Food and Drug Administration scientistsfound that, among “satisfied” women who had not sought to have theirimplants removed, most had at least 1 broken implant within 15 years.Another study found that nearly half of silicone implants fail withinten years and three-quarters rupture in 20 years. Marotta, et al.,Silicone Gel Breast Implant Failure and Frequency of AdditionalSurgeries: Analysis of 35 Studies Reporting Examination of More than8000 Explants, J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 199; 48(3): 354-64. Breakage ismore obvious with saline implants, because they usually deflate quickly.Silicone implants may leak slowly, so that a magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scan is needed to determine if it is broken.

It is in the interest of a woman with implants to minimize stress on theimplants. Rupture of implants have an increased risk of bursting whensubjected to compression.

A number of prior art devices have been provided for minimizing pressureon breasts when a woman is in a prone position. U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,768discloses a cushion support to be placed on a bed or other horizontalsupport surface which allows a woman to lie or sleep in a face-downposition without exerting pressure on the breasts. The cushion supportincludes an elongated block of foam material, the front section of whichis horizontally oriented and supports the upper rib cage and the sternumof the user, and a wedge-shaped lower section which supports the torsoof the user. Vertically oriented arcuate recesses are provided toaccommodate the breasts. This patent states that the breasts of the userdepend into recesses, and are thereby suspended perpendicularly downwardfrom the body without coming into contact with the support surface ofthe cushion support itself. This arrangement leaves breasts unsupportedand subject to the forces of gravity. Discomfort to large-breasted womenmay result.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,061 discloses a female anatomical mattress includinga generally rectangular body supporting structure. The body supportingstructure has a pair of side walls with a continuous central section. Anupper panel of the structure has a generally rectangular cavity thatextends downwardly therefrom and toward the lower panel. The rectangularcavity can only accommodate breasts whose size does not exceed the depthof the cavity.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,682 discloses a contoured pillow for supporting atorso particularly designed as a therapeutic pillow for use aftersurgical procedures such as breast enlargements. The pillow is placedabove the breasts and below the neck. The shoulders are elevated, and nosupport is provided for the torso of the breasts.

Unites States Published Patent Application No. 2005/0034238 discloses acontoured, slanted body support designed to provide for proper alignmentof a body. However, the manufacturing specifications are complexcompared to other prior art supports. Further, the support is not asconveniently transportable from a home to a massage therapist, e.g., asa nominal tote bag carried by a woman.

United States Published Patent Application No. 2004/0029484 discloses abreast supporter which can be worn or held to a person's breast toprovide protection and comfort, and particularly to reduce discomfortduring or following breast implant surgery. The breast supporter canprovide one or more depressions or cups for resting of breasts, whereinthe breast supporter can be inflatable, and wherein the size of adepression or cup or opening is adjustable. However, each embodimentillustrates a parallelepiped having an outer periphery for surroundingbreasts and a cavity or cavities within the periphery. There is noconsideration of interaction of the support with a woman's torso.Consequently, while the breasts are protected, the back may be thrustinto an uncomfortable position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,689 discloses a shoulder support system with abreast stress reliever for a chiropractic or medical massage table.While stress on breasts may be reduced, stress on the biceps issignificantly increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated in accordance with embodiments of the present invention asystem including a torso support cushion or pillow for supporting a userin a prone position and protecting the user's breasts from compressiveforces is provided. The torso support pillow is provided to support achest of a user. Opposite horizontally displaced ends of the pillow atlocations closer to the shoulders and the abdomen respectively arereferred to as first and second ends. Cavities are provided to receivebreasts. A portion of the torso support pillow adjacent the second endis cut away to provide a recess for receiving a user's rib cage.Additionally, a plane approximately coincident with an upper surface ofthe torso support pillow may be tilted by an angle a, and decrease inthickness toward the second end.

The torso support pillow may have various configurations. For example,in one embodiment, a torso support pillow for supporting and protectinga user's breast implants when in a prone position is provided. Such atorso support pillow may comprise a base, an upper surface comprising aresilient material angled relative to the base, and at least tworecesses in the upper surface configured to receive the user's breasts,the recesses transversely positioned to one another. An abdominal recessconfigured to receive an abdominal section of the user's body may beformed at an edge of the upper surface

The recesses may be various shapes to receive the user's breasts. Forexample, the recesses may be cylindrical, circular, arcuate or variousother shapes. The upper surface may be angled upward from a rear wall toa front wall of the torso support pillow such that the upper surface hasa reduced height at the abdominal recess. This provides angled supportto the user's torso which naturally pivots at the user's pelvis orwaist.

The torso support pillow may comprise one or more materials. Forexample, the torso support pillow may have a body comprising a lowerlayer of a first material and an upper layer of a distinct secondmaterial. The different characteristics of the materials may providedifferent support for a user. It is contemplated that a layer of paddingmaterial may be on top of the upper surface of the torso support pillow.A to protective cover may surround the torso support pillow. Theprotective cover may have a sleeve in registration with each of therecesses to be received therein.

In a further preferred form, a fabric cover is provided for the torsosupport pillow including a sleeve in registration with each breastcavity. The sleeve may be closed at a lower end adjacent a bottom ofeach breast cavity. Each sleeve may be longer than the depth of a breastcavity, providing a cushion of bunched fabric at the bottom of a cavity.

In yet a further form, the torso support pillow interacts with acarrying case to facilitate portability of the pillow so that the usermay conveniently take her pillow to a variety of locations. Locationsmay include a doctor's office, health spa massage facility or traveldestinations.

A breast protection system for reducing pressure or strain on a user'sbreast implants is also provided herein. In one or more embodiments, thebreast protection system provides reduction in pressure or strain at theuser's breast implants when the user is in a prone position. In general,the breast protection system includes a torso support pillow or pillow,and may include a head cushion for supporting a user's head while usingthe torso support pillow.

For example, a head cushion comprising at least two portions may beprovided. Each of the portions may be removably stored in one of therecesses of the torso support pillow. The portions of the head cushionmay also have a peripheral shape matching the at least two recesses tonest therein. This allows the head cushion to be stored in the torsosupport pillow for convenient storage and transport. It is noted thatone of the portions may have one or more reliefs therein to receive oneor more facial features of the user.

In another exemplary embodiment, a breast protection system forsupporting a user's breasts may comprise a torso support pillow and ahead cushion. The torso support pillow may comprise a body comprising abase and an upper surface and one or more recesses in the upper surfacefor receiving one or more breasts of a user. The body may be formed fromone or more resilient materials. It is noted that the torso supportpillow may optionally have a therapeutic magnet.

The head cushion may comprise one or more reliefs configured to receiveone or more facial features of the user. At least a portion of the headcushion may be configured to nest within at least one of the recesses.

A carrying case may be included in the breast protection system as well.The head cushion and the torso support pillow may be shaped to nest toform a rectangular parallelepiped. The carrying case may be fitted tothe rectangular parallelepiped.

The torso support pillow may have a protective cover. The protectivecover may surround the torso support pillow and have a sleeve inregistration with each of the one or more recesses to be receivedtherein. A second cover surrounding the first cover may also beprovided. The second cover may have a comfortable and/or decorativesurface and be removable for washing.

Various methods of protecting a user's breast implants are disclosedherein as well. For instance, one such method comprises providing atorso support pillow having an angled upper surface, providing one ormore recesses in the upper surface of the torso support pillow toreceive one or more of the user's breasts, and providing an abdominalrecess at an edge of the upper surface to accept a portion of the user'storso. The weight of the user's torso can then be supported with thetorso support pillow to reduce strain on the user's breast implants.

The method may also include providing a head cushion having one or morereliefs to receive one or more facial features of the user andsupporting the weight of the user's head with the head cushion. At leasta first portion of the head cushion may be placed within at least one ofthe recesses to store the head cushion within the torso support pillow.The torso support pillow may be covered with a cover to protect thetorso support pillow as part of the method.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following to figures and detailed description. It is intended thatall such additional systems, methods, features and advantages beincluded within this description, be within the scope of the invention,and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a user interacting with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of one form of cushion included in thesupport unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a further embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a cushion cover taken along line 5-5of FIGS. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of components of a transportablesystem including cushion according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an axonometric view of the system of FIG. 7 in configurationfor transport;

FIG. 9 is a cross section of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a head cushion; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a torso support and head cushionassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user 1 utilizing a breast protectionsystem 2 comprising an embodiment of the present invention in anapplication environment 3. In this illustration, the applicationenvironment 3 includes a massage table 4 having an upper surface 5. In amassage scenario, significant compressive forces may be applied to theuser 1 by a massage therapist. The breast protection system 2 in apreferred form is readily transportable. A user 1 may transport her ownbreast support 2 to any application environment 3 and not be concernedwith hygiene issues concerning the use of a breast support 2 which isalso used by others.

The user 1 comprises a lower body 10, torso 12, a head 14 and a back 18.First and second breasts 15 and 16 depend from the torso 12. Whenreceiving massage therapy, the user 1 will often be in a prone positionin which the breasts 15 and 16 contact the upper surface 5 of themassage table 4. As part of massage therapy, a therapist applies forceto selected parts of the user 1. Force applied to a back 18 of the user1 will result in compression of the user 1. Force applied to a back 18of the user 1 will result in compression of the user 1 between hands ofthe massage therapist and the massage table 4.

Massage therapists are trained so as to avoid causing harm to users andto minimize discomfort. However, even when a massage therapist employsall due care and only a proper amount of force for a particular therapy,large-breasted women or women who are nursing may experience discomforteven when the same therapy would result in little or no discomfort to asmall-breasted woman. Additionally, harm may result to a user 1 havingbreast implants. Each time significant compressive forces are appliedthrough a torso 12 to the breasts 15 and 16, breast implants therein arecompressed. A breast implant generally comprises a flexible layerenclosing liquid or semi-solid material. When the implant is compressed,pressure therein increases. Consequently, tensile force is applied tothe flexible layer. The tensile force causes strain. Many breastimplants can tolerate the effects of a finite amount of stress. When ayield point is reached, the flexible layer falls, and the breast implantruptures. The breast protection system 2 eliminates or minimizes adverseeffects of compressive forces applied to the breasts 15 and 16.

The breast protection system 2 comprises a torso support 20. In generaland as will be described further below, the torso support 20 may be acushion or pillow configured to support the user's torso while reducingweight or pressure on the user's breasts. The breast protection system 2may also comprise a head cushion 24. The torso support 20 may also beused with other forms of headrest, such as conventional pillows. Thetorso support 20 will have a preferred axial extent generallycorresponding to a distance from the upper abdomen of the user 1 to theshoulders. Of course, users 1 will vary in height. Therefore, the axialdimension of the torso support 20 may have a value selected to have thepreferred axial extent for a range of heights of users 1. Also, thetorso support 20 may be provided in a range of sizes such as small,medium and large. Each size accommodates users 1 having a range ofheights in the vicinity of a selected center height.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one form of a cushion 30 that may beused to form the torso support 20. A cover 80 for the torso support 20,described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 below, preferably surrounds thecushion 30. The cushion 30 is preferably constructed of foam rubber. Thefoam rubber may comprise a material having a firmness selected from awide range of durometer values. One preferred value corresponds to thehardness of a “firm” bedroom pillow. The cushion 30 has a rectangularhorizontal cross-section. First and second transversely displacedsidewalls 32 and 34 are spaced by a distance to allow a majority ofusers 1 to fit on the cushion 30. A nominal spacing is 24 inches. Thesidewalls 32 and 34 may be to planar, but need not be. The sidewalls 32and 34 may be parallel and vertical. The designation vertical is used asa comparative orientation to indicate that the sidewalls 32 and 34 maybe perpendicular to a base 36 of the cushion 30. The cushion 30 furthercomprises front and rear walls 40 and 42 which may also be planar andperpendicular to the base 36, and an upper surface 44. In the presentillustration, the direction of front to rear is a direction from thehead of a user 1 toward the feet.

The upper surface 44 may be flat or undulating or otherwise non-planar.The upper surface 44 will typically slope downwardly from the front wall40 to the rear wall 42, but may be non-sloping (i.e., parallel to thebase 36) in some embodiments. The upper surface 44 and the rear wall 42may intersect at an edge 45. An upper surface plane 46 may comprise aplane coextensive with the upper surface 44 or having a “best fit” tothe upper surface 44. The upper surface plane 46 is used to describe theslope of the upper surface 44. The upper surface plane 46 is disposed atan angle a with respect to a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may,for example, comprise a plane coincident with the base 36 of the cushion30 or with the massage table upper surface 5. Generally, the base 36 anda table's upper surface 5 or other supporting surface will be coplanar.Providing a slope for the upper surface plane 46 is preferable since thetorso of a user 1 will not readily be disposed parallel to the tableupper surface 5.

The torso 12 of the user 1 is essentially pivoted at the user 1'spelvis. Consequently, the torso 12 must tilt with respect to uppersurface 5 of the massage table 4. The user's back 18 cannot readily moveparallel with respect to the massage table 4. By providing a cantedupper surface 44, the cushion 30 allows for a natural disposition of thetorso 12. The breast protection system 2 thus allows the user 1 to beprotected while not requiring the user's body to bend to anuncomfortable position. If the upper surface 44 were horizontal, thetorso 12 would engage the edge 45 prior to engaging the rest of theupper surface 44. Force exerted by the torso 2 at the rear wall 42 wouldbe greater than at the front wall 40. Consequently, the rear of thecushion 30 would be more compressed than the front of the cushion 30.Therefore the cushion 30 will undergo greater compression at the rearwall 42 than at the front wall 40. The full range of compressibility ofthe cushion 30 at the rear wall 42 is no longer available. This limitsthe range of vertically downward force that may be applied to the torso12 before the cushion 30 “bottoms out” and ceases to protect the breasts15 and 16 from compression. Therefore, the angle a is selected todispose the torso 12 to rest naturally and comfortably, substantiallyparallel to the upper surface 44.

The cushion 30 has first and second recesses 50 and 52. The recesses 50and 52 receive the breasts 15 and 16 respectively. In a preferred form,the recesses 50 and 52 are cylindrical. The recess 50 has a verticalwall 54 and a flat base 56. The recess 52 has a vertical wall 58 and aflat base 60. The dimension of the recesses 50 and 52 is selected toprovide clearance for smaller breasts, and to be filled by largerbreasts. Larger breasts 15 and 16 bear against the recesses 50 and 52.There will be some compression of the breasts 15 and 16 from weight dueto engagement with surfaces for the cushion 30. Since the cushion 30 iselastomeric, compressive forces applied to the breasts 15 and 16 arelargely absorbed. Therefore discomfort to the breasts or stress onlayers of implants is held to an acceptable level.

For further comfort of the user 1, an abdomen recess 66 is providedwhich is cut into the edge 45 of the cushion 30. In a preferred form,the recess 66 has a spherical contour. Alternatively, the recess 66 maycomprise a number of other contours, such as a cylindrical or paraboliccontour. The width of the recess 66, i.e., a distance between itsintersections with the edge 45, is selected to correspond to an averagewidth of a user 1 for which the size range of the cushion 30 isdesigned. Provision of the recess 66 facilitates its interface of thetorso 12 with the upper surface 44 of the cushion 30.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion 30 taken along lines 3-3of

FIG. 2. It can be seen that the upper surface 44 may support an upperlayer, such as a padded, textured, or other layer that. It iscontemplated that a layer of soft material, such as a fluffy, fuzzy, orsimilar material may be on the upper surface 44 to give it a softenedfeel.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 the upper surface 44 comprises a layerformed from a matrix of projections 70. The projections 70 arepreferably molded into the cushion 30 to project from the upper surface44. The projections 70 may conveniently have a shape comprising a solidof rotation or be pyramidal. Cross sections could comprise a triangle ora parabola shape. It is not necessary for the to projections 70 to betapered in an upward vertical direction. However, such a taper willfacilitate ease in manufacture. Upper vertical extremities of theprojections 70 define a ventilated upper surface 72. The upper surface72 comprises a contour defined by upper ends of each projection 70. Theprojections 70 allow for further cushioning of the torso 12 as well asfor a degree of air circulation between the user 1 and the cushion 30.Projections 10 may also be provided extending from the surfaces 56 and60 of the recesses 50 and 52 respectively.

The cushion 30 may be constructed of many different forms of resilientmaterial, including resilient material formed with natural and/orsynthetic material. Injection molding may be used for certain forms ofrubber or plastic. Such an embodiment is suitable for high-volumeproduction. In low volume production, cushions 30 may be assembled bycutting and fastening component parts into designed shape. Some suitablematerials include, sponge, foam rubber, memory foam, and other resilientmaterials. In the illustration of FIG. 3, the cushion 30 comprises alower layer 74 and an upper layer 76. In one or more embodiments, thelower layer 74 and upper layer 76 may be formed from differentmaterials. For example, the lower layer 74 may be one type of foamrubber while the upper layer 76 is another type of foam rubber. Asanother example, the lower layer 74 may be foam rubber while the upperlayer 76 is memory foam. It is contemplated that more than two layersmay be provided. This saves on costs for more expensive materials byonly requiring one layer to be formed from the more expensive materials.In addition, the different layers provide different support to a user 1.For example, the lower layer to 74 may be harder than the upper layer 76or vice versa, to provide different types/levels of support. In oneembodiment, the upper layer 76 is softer than the lower layer 74 tobetter conform to a user 1. In such embodiment, the harder lower layer74 ensures adequate padded support is provided below the user.

The cushion 30 may be manufactured in multiple layers for ease ofmanufacturing. For example, as shown the lower layer 74 is a solidpiece, while the upper layer 76 has cylindrical apertures formed thereinto define the recesses 50 and 52. The lower layer 74 and the upper layer76 may be secured to each other with adhesive or otherwise attachedtogether. The cushion 30 may be resolved into any number of subunits tobe joined together. In this manner, difficult or impossible steps withrespect to shaping of a foam rubber may be avoided. It is noted thatsome embodiments of the cushion 30 may have more than two layers such asto ease manufacturing or to provide different amounts ofpadding/stiffness.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a torso support20. FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along the lines of5-5 of FIG. 4 of a torso support 20 having an outer cover 80 and aninner cover 100 surrounding the cushion 30. The outer cover 80 mayconveniently have a loose fit around the inner cover 100. The innercover 100 preferably will have a relatively close fit with the cushion30. While it is preferred to use of an outer and inner cover 80 and 100,either a single covered or no cover may be utilized. The use of twocovers facilitates providing an aesthetically attractive, protected, andeasy to clean breast protection system 2.

The outer cover 80 may be selected based on a number of criteria ofwhich may include ornamental design, comfort of the user 1 or physicalcharacteristics of the material such as absorbency or elasticity. Theinner cover 100 is used in a manner similar to a mattress cover. Theinner cover 100 provides a washable surface surrounding the cushion 30.Additionally, the inner cover 100 may absorb moisture which would otherwise penetrate the cushion 30 and may further protect the cushion 30from perspiration. The inner cover 100 may conveniently be made ofcotton or out of a blended material to provide a hypoallergenic shieldsurrounding cushion 30. Generally, the inner cover 100 will be made oflaunderable material, although other materials may be used. The outercover 80 will generally be selected for its finish and its appearance,and may be made from launderable, hand washable or dry cleanablematerial.

The outer cover 80 includes outer pockets 82 and 84 which may bereceived in pockets of the outer cover 100 described below or directlyin the recesses 50 and 52 respectively of the cushion 30. The outercover 80 has a front end 86. The front end 86 of the outer cover 80 isadjacent the front wall 40 of the cushion 30 (FIG. 2). In order toprovide for removability of the outer cover 80, closure means 85, in thepresent illustration a zipper, are provided. The closure means in thepresent illustration is conveniently formed in the end 86, and may alsoextend to opposite sides 92 and 94 of the outer cover 80. It is mostconvenient to insert and remove a cushion 30 with respect to the outercover 80 through a largest dimension. Therefore the end 86 is preferablyadjacent the larges wall of the cushion 30. However, the closure means86, may be provided in other portions of the outer cover 60. Otherclosure means 86, for example hook and loop fasteners, buttons or snaps,may be provided.

As also seen in FIG. 5, the outer cover 80 comprises an upper piece 90and a lower piece 92 joined at a seam 94. The upper and lower places 90and 92 may have dimensions sufficiently large to surround the cushion 30loosely. The upper and lower pieces 90 and 92 need not have a particularshape. Alternatively, the upper and lower pieces 90 and 92 may be fittedto the cushion 30. Any tailoring technique may be used to shape theouter cover 80 to be fitted to the cushion 30. For example, each of theupper and lower pieces 90 and 92 may each comprise a plurality of panelsshaped so that the outer cover 80 will conform to the shape of the cover30. In a further alternative form, the outer cover 80 may be made of astretch material.

The pocket 84 comprises a sleeve 95 joined to a circular aperture 96 inthe outer cover 80 at a seam 97. A lower end of the sleeve 88 is joinedto a circular insert 98. The circular insert 96 may comprise a materialsimilar to that of the outer cover 80 or the sleeve 88. Alternatively,the circular insert 96 may be chosen to have a diameter such that thecircular insert 96 may be conveniently press fit into the recess 54. Inanother embodiment, the pocket 84 could comprise a unitary sock.Fastening means would need to be used if it is desired to secure thepocket 82 to the cushion 30. The pocket 82 (FIG. 4) similarly comprisesa sleeve 102 secured at an upper end to an aperture 104 in the outercover 80 and at a lower end to a circular insert 106. The apertures 94and 104 are preferably selected to have the same diameters and samespacing as the breast-receiving recesses 50 and 52.

The inner cover 100 includes inner pockets 122 (FIGS. 4) and 124 (FIG.5) positioned to be in registration with the recesses 50 and 52respectively. The inner cover 100 has a front end. 126. The front end126 of the inner cover 120 is adjacent to front wall 40 of the cushion30 (FIG. 2). In order to provide for removability of the inner cover100, closure means 128, in the present illustration a zipper, areprovided. The closure means 126 in the present illustration isconveniently formed in the front end 126, and may also extend toadjoining sides of the inner cover 100. It is most convenient to insertand remove a cushion 30 with respect to the inner cover 100 through alargest dimension. Therefore the end 126 is preferably adjacent thelarges wall of the cushion 30. However, the closure means 128 may beprovided in other portions of the inner cover 100, as seen in FIG. 6.Other closure means 128, for example buttons or snaps, may be provided.

The inner cover 100 may, if desired, be made in a manner similar to theouter cover 80. The inner pockets 122 and 124 may comprises sleeves orunitary, sock-like recesses. The inner pockets 122 and 124 arepreferably selected to have the same center-to-center spacing as thebreast-receiving recesses 50 and 52. The inner pockets to 122 and 124are dimensioned to fit in the breast-receiving recesses 50 and 52 and toreceived the outer pockets 82 and 84 respectively.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further form of the outer cover 80. Inthe present illustration, a utility pocket 150 is formed on a side ofthe outer cover 80. A clip 152 may also be provided to hold a towel orother article used in connection with exercise or massage. A fastener154 may have a link 156 connected thereto in order to provide for aconnection between the torso support 20 and the head cushion 24. Firstand second accessory pockets 163 and 164 may also be provided onselected sections of the outer cover 80 to accommodate a desiredfunction. For example, one desired function may be magnetic fieldtherapy. In such an embodiment, first and second magnets 167 and 168 maybe positioned in the first and second accessory pockets 163 and 164respectively.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective illustrations of a transportable system160 in a disassembled state and an assembled state respectively. Thetransportable system 160 includes a torso support 20 according toFIG. 1. A user 1 may wish to carry the breast support system 2 to any ofa number of locations. In the present illustration, the transportablesystem 160 comprises a torso support 20, a head cushion 24 and acarrying case 170. The carrying case 170 may comprise a rectangularparallelepiped. If desired, novelty shapes could be provided. Thecarrying case 170 has an upper flap 172 joined to a rectangular body 174at a seam 176. A closure member 178 preferably comprises a zipperextending along three of four sides of the rectangular to body 174. Afirst handle 180 and a second handle 182 are provided for a user toeither grasp with a hand or put the handles 180 and 182 over a shoulder.

FIG. 9 is a cross section of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8. InFIG. 9, the torso support 20 and the head cushion 24 are shown in apreferred relative disposition with each other. The torso support 20 andthe head cushion 24 are placed so that the difference between combinedlinear dimensions of the torso support 20 and the head cushion 24 in onedegree of freedom and the longest dimension of the torso support 20 orthe head cushion 24 in a perpendicular degree of freedom in minimized Inother words, to the extent possible, an approximation of a cube isprovided. Consequently, volume of a given carrying case 170 may beminimized for a particular breast support system 2.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the head cushion 24 is beneficial in that itsupports the user's head 14 when the user is lying face down on thecushion 30. Since the cushion 30 elevates the user's torso 12, the headcushion 24 may be used to support the user's head 14 at a similarelevated position so that the user's head may be aligned with the user'storso. This improves comfort when the user 1 is utilizing the cushion30. In addition, it prevents the user 1 from having to hold her head atan elevated position when using the cushion 30.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary head cushion 24. As compared to a totraditional pillow, the head cushion 24 is advantageous in that it isconfigured to match the height or elevation of the user 1 when the useris on the cushion 30. In addition, traditional pillows are generally notresilient and do not provide a supporting structure but rather provide apad upon which to rest one's head. The head cushion 24 provides astructure which both elevates and supports a user's head 14. In one ormore embodiments, the head cushion 24 may be formed with resilientmaterial that has a particular shape and size. Unlike a traditionalpillow, the head cushion 24 of these embodiments would not typicallycomprise loose fill held within a soft container (e.g., pillow case). Inthis manner, the head cushion 24 can provide a shaped structure thatcomfortably supports a user's head 14.

As shown in FIG. 10 for example, the head cushion 24 may have one ormore reliefs in its surface to reduce pressure on the user's head 14. Asshown for example, the head cushion 24 has two curved recesses 188,190formed in its top surface. The user 1 may align the recesses 188,190with her facial features, such as her nose and/or eyes. The recesses188,190 provide space for such features thus reducing pressure thereonand increasing user comfort. Also the space provided by the recesses188,190 prevent the head cushion 24 from blocking airflow to and from auser's mouth, nose, or both. This is highly advantageous because theuser will typically utilize the breast protection system 2 face down.

It is noted that the recesses 188,190 may be various shapes and sizesthat provide one or more pressure relieving spaces for the user's facialfeatures. The “+” shape configuration of the recesses 188,190 in FIG. 10allow the head cushion 24 to be rotated and still align with the user'snose and/or eyes. Other shapes and configurations are contemplated aswell. For example, the head cushion 24 may have a central depression orrecess cut out from its top end, such as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively,only a single recess may be provided, such as to accommodate the user'snose. It is contemplated that the recesses may be customized to aparticular user 1. For instance recesses may be formed in the headcushion 24 according to match the facial features of a particular user.

The head cushion 24 may have various shapes. In FIG. 2 for example, thehead cushion has an elliptical shape like that of an egg. However, othercircular, rectangular, curved, and/or polygonal shapes are possible.Typically, the head cushion's peripheral shape will match that of therecesses 50,52 of the cushion 30. This allows the head cushion 24 to bestored in the recesses 50,52 when not in use, such as shown in FIG. 11.This is advantageous in that it reduces space utilization and produces amore compact configuration that may be easily transported. In addition,inserting the head cushion 24 into the recesses 50,52 helps preservetheir shape especially if the cushion 30 is not used for longer periodsof time.

Referring back to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the head cushion 24 maybe formed in multiple pieces or portions. For instance, in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 10, the head cushion 24 comprises an upper portion184 and a lower portions 186. These portions 184,186 may be detached andreattached from/to one another. to For example, the portions 184,186 maybe separated so that they may be inserted into individual recesses 50,52of the cushion 30 for storage. The portions 184,186 may then be removedfrom the cushion 30 and used to form a head cushion 24, when desired.Each of the portions 184,186 may have a similar peripheral shape, suchas shown. Alternatively or in addition, the mating surfaces orstructures of the portions 184,186 may have similar shapes or structureswhich engage one another. In this manner, the portions 184,186 mayengage one another to form a head cushion 24.

It is contemplated that one or more fasteners may be used to secure theportions 184,186 to one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 astrap 192 may be provided to ties or lash the portions 184,186 together.The strap 192 may be elastic or stretchable so as to collapse around theportions 184,186, holding them together. The strap 192 may also benon-elastic (but typically flexible). In such embodiments, the resilientmaterial of the portions 184,186 may be compressed and inserted into thestrap 192 and then allowed to expand within the strap. The portions184,186 may be removed by compressing them again and removing them fromthe strap 192.

The strap 192 may be positioned at various locations. As shown forexample, the strap 192 is within a recess 190. This helps hold the strap192 in position. It is noted that multiple straps could be used. Forexample, a second strap could be within recess 188 in the embodiment ofFIG. 10. It is contemplated that the lower portion 186 may have one ormore recesses as well, such as to help hold the strap 192 in position.

The portions 184,186 may be secured together with other fasteners. Forexample, the mating surfaces may have fasteners, such as buttons, hookand loop fasteners, or magnets to hold the portions 184,186 together.Alternatively or in addition, as described above, the mating surfacesmay be shaped (like 3 dimensional puzzle pieces) to securely engage oneanother.

The height of each portion 184,186 may be configured such that, whenconnected together, the head cushion 24 formed by the portions supportsthe user's head 14 at the same or similar elevation as the user's upperbody is supported by the cushion 30. For example, each portion 184,186may be half the height or substantially half the height of the cushion30 in some embodiments. If desired the height of the head cushion 24 maybe raised or lowered relative to that of the cushion 30. In such cases,the height of the portions 184,186 may be raised or lowered accordingly.

It is contemplated that the head cushion 24 could have more than twoportions. For example, at least one of the portions 184,186 may comprisea plurality of layers. This is beneficial in that it permits a user toselect the height of the overall head cushion 24 by including or notincluding particular layers. In addition, it is contemplated that one ormore of these layers could be left in the recesses 50,52 of the cushionto provide bottom support for the user's breasts. The layers may beremovably attached to one another, such as described above with regardto the fasteners of the head cushion 24.

The present subject matter being thus described, it will be apparentthat the same may be modified or varied in many ways. Such modificationsand variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit andscope of the present subject matter, and all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

1. A torso support pillow for supporting and protecting a user's breastimplants when in a prone position, the torso support pillow comprising:a base; an upper surface angled relative to the base, the upper surfacecomprising a resilient material; at least two recesses in the uppersurface configured to receive the user's breasts, the recessestransversely positioned to one another; to an abdominal recessconfigured to receive an abdominal section of the user's body, theabdominal recess formed at an edge of the upper surface
 2. The torsosupport pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least two recesses arecylindrical.
 3. The torso support pillow of claim 1, wherein the uppersurface is angled upward from a rear wall to a front wall of the torsosupport pillow such that the upper surface has a reduced height at theabdominal recess.
 4. The torso support pillow of claim 1 furthercomprising a body between the base and the upper surface, the bodycomprising a lower layer of a first material and an upper layer of adistinct second material.
 5. The torso support pillow of claim 1 furthercomprising a layer of padding material on top of the upper surface. 6.The torso support pillow of claim 1, further comprising a head cushioncomprising at least two portions, each of the at least two portionsremovably stored in one of the at least two recesses and having aperipheral shape matching the at least two recesses.
 7. The torsosupport pillow of claim 6, wherein a first portion of the at least twoto portions has one or more reliefs therein to receive one or morefacial features of the user.
 8. The torso support pillow of claim 1,further comprising a protective cover surrounding the torso supportpillow, the protective cover having a sleeve in registration with eachof the at least two recesses to be received therein.
 9. A breastprotection system for supporting a user's breasts comprising: a torsosupport pillow comprising: a body comprising a base and an uppersurface, the body formed from one or more resilient materials; one ormore recesses in the upper surface for receiving one or more breasts ofa user; and a head cushion comprising: one or more reliefs configured toreceive one or more facial features of the user.
 10. The torso supportpillow of claim 9, wherein the upper surface is angled upward from afirst end to a second end of the torso support pillow.
 11. The torsosupport pillow of claim 9 further comprising an abdominal recess at anedge of the upper surface configured to receive a torso area of theuser's body.
 12. The torso support pillow of claim 9, wherein at least aportion of the head cushion is configured to nest within at least one ofthe one or more recesses.
 13. The torso support pillow of claim 12,further comprising a carrying case and wherein the head cushion and thetorso support pillow are shaped to nest to form a rectangularparallelepiped and in which the carrying case is fitted to therectangular parallelepiped.
 14. The torso support pillow of claim 9,further comprising a protective cover surrounding the torso supportpillow, the protective cover having a sleeve in registration with eachof the one or more recesses to be received therein.
 15. The torsosupport pillow of claim 14, further comprising a second coversurrounding the first cover, the second cover being removable forwashing.
 16. The torso support pillow of claim 9, wherein the torsosupport pillow has a therapeutic magnet.
 17. A method of protecting auser's breast implants comprising: providing a torso support pillowhaving an angled upper surface; providing one or more recesses in theupper surface of the torso support pillow to receive one or more of theuser's breasts; providing an abdominal recess at an edge of the uppersurface to accept a portion of the user's torso; and supporting theweight of the user's torso with the torso support pillow to reducestrain on the user's breast implants.
 18. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising providing a head cushion having one or more reliefs toreceive one or more facial features of the user and supporting theweight of the user's head with the head cushion.
 19. The method of claim17 further comprising placing at least a first portion of the headcushion within at least one of the one or more recesses to store thehead cushion within the torso support pillow.
 20. The method of claim 17further comprising covering the torso support pillow with a cover toprotect the torso support pillow.